Bolivia's indigenous people are rising up and reclaiming a new homeland.
An exciting national revolution is unfolding in Bolivia today, with its indigenous peoples at its core. The movement to refound Bolivia is an inspiration to many around the world. Bolivia Rising aims to bring news and analysis about this revolution to english speakers.

Benjamin Kohl on "Bolivia under Morales: A Work in Progress"

Bolivia Rising is sadden to hear of the passing away Benjamin Kohl, a long time writer on Bolivia and friend of the Bolivian people. Below we draw readings attention to one of his more recent articles. You can also access some more of Kohl's writings here

Bolivia under Morales: A Work in Progress

Benjamin Kohl

Abstract: Evo Morales assumed office in January 2006 with a resounding
mandate from marginalized indigenous peoples to reinvent Bolivia. Five hundred
years of colonial and republican rule, combined with 20 years of neoliberal
economic policy in this poorly consolidated democracy, constrained his ability to reshape
the country during his first term in office. Morales still faces the fundamental
challenges of (1) national oligarchies, (2) limited administrative capacity, (3) rent seeking and
institutionalized corruption, (4) social movements, and (5) transnational actors. Rather
than being distinct, these challenges are overdetermined: the economic challenges of
transforming an extractive economy are intertwined with the lack of government capacity
that is the legacy of exclusionary social and political processes since the
Spanish conquest. Armed with the firm political will embodied in the new constitution, he has
consolidated his support, and this has allowed his government to begin its second
administration in a better position than almost all its predecessors as it attempts to create a more
equitable society.